DES Adverts

Back in the 1950's and 1960's, doctors were the target for most drug advertising campaigns...See more

Back in the 1950's and 1960's, doctors were the target for most drug
advertising campaigns including DES.

Drug companies supplied hundreds of doctors with samples to give to their
female patients, thus creating a market for the drug (in the case of
diethylstilbestrol even before it was approved by the FDA).

Somehow DES set the template of "How To" market a dangerous drug
to women. In 1948, diethylstilbestrol was advertised as the "Wonder
Drug" recommended for all pregnancies. The face of a cherubic infant
grinned up from the pages of medical journals next to the caption:
"Really? Yes, desPLEX to prevent abortion, miscarriage and premature
labor...bigger and stronger babies".

As early as 1953, research revealed that DES did not work – that DES
actually brought about higher rates of premature birth and infant mortality
– yet DES continued to be prescribed to pregnant women for decades mainly
because pharmaceutical companies continued to heavily promote DES use to
doctors and most doctors relied on the drug companies and their sales
representatives for information.